For those who have witnessed a loved one experience a mental health crisis, it can be confusing and render you feeling helpless.
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For veteran Sean Skelton of Open Arms counselling, going through mental health issues himself meant leaning on the support of his community for help.
"I had four and half years in the army and during that time I suffered from mental illness and with the support of a great team of clinicians and friends and family I managed to get through it on the other side," Mr Skelton said.
Mr Skelton is now a community and peer advisor with Open Arms Veterans and Family Counselling and he will be facilitating a Mental Health First Aid course in Griffith, which aims to equip people with potentially life saving skills.
"Mental Health First Aid courses teach simple, practical first aid skills for helping out family members, friends, co-workers or any person who is experiencing mental health problems," Mr Skelton said.
"It provides people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to support people experiencing mental health problems including how to approach someone and start a safe conversation."
Being able to promptly identify the signs and symptoms of mental health crisis or episodes can help to ensure better long term prospects for people explained Mr Skelton, which is why a Mental Health First Aid course can be helpful.
"The sooner you pick up and start treating mental illness, the better the outcomes for the individual who is suffering it," he said.
"If you can help your friend or family member out and let them know they may be suffering, they can be made aware and hopefully seek help out faster."
The course will be run over two days from February 11 in Griffith and members of the veteran community and their families can sign up for free here.
"Any courses run through Open Arms are absolutely free for veterans, ADF personnel currently serving or family members of either," Mr Skelton said.
Fifty per cent of Australian's will go through some sort of mental health crisis or illness during their lifetime, Mr Skelton explained and twenty per cent of Australians will go through a mental health illness each year.
"I would encourage anyone to do a mental health first aid course," he said.
"If it's not happening to you, you can guarantee it will happen to someone you know and having the skills to be able to help them out is absolutely vital."
For the veteran community Open Arms offers group courses throughout the year, however members of the broader community can also check out Mental Health First Aid Australia to register for online courses.
For more information or if you are currently experiencing mental health concerns in the veteran community call Open Arms at 1800 011 046.
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Kat is a former English teacher to international students and has taught all over the world. She is beginning a new career as a journalist with the Area News. Got something you want to chat about? She's all ears.
Kat is a former English teacher to international students and has taught all over the world. She is beginning a new career as a journalist with the Area News. Got something you want to chat about? She's all ears.
